DURAL CYSTS IN THE CERVICAL REGION - REPORT OF 3 CASES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Dural spinal cysts are exceedingly rare lesions. The authors are aware of only seven cases reported in the literature. This report comprises three patients with dural cysts of the cervical spinal canal who pres ented with atypical neurological signs and symptoms, including a long history of dysesthesias and atrophic pareses in the proximal upper ext remities. Surgical intervention disclosed two ventrally and one dorsal ly located cystic lesions of the spinal dura mater. The cystic wall wa s fenestrated and kept open by a silicons catheter in each case. Histo logical examination of the excised lesions revealed fibrous connective tissue consistent with dural tissue. No epithelial lining was detecte d. The lesions were classified as dural cysts. The patients' postopera tive courses were uneventful. Although dural cysts are rare lesions, t hey must be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal cystic lesions. Because they are nonaggressive and can be safely drained by m icrosurgical techniques, patients have a favorable prognosis. Early su rgical intervention is mandatory to prevent severe neurological defici ts.